Jay Braydon of Conneautville, a third-generation miniature horse teamster, showcased his skills Sunday at the Clarion County Fair, earning first place in the 42-inch division with his horses, Rex and Chief. Inspired by his grandfather, Braydon said the sport is his cherished hobby, made even more enjoyable by the camaraderie among fellow competitors. Sandy Troup of New Bethlehem, secretary of the Pennsylvania Mini-Pony Pulling Association, also attended, serving as both announcer and scorekeeper. Her family is deeply involved in the sport, which has grown on her over time. Troup noted that participation remains lower than pre-COVID years, with only eight teams competing this time. Despite the challenges, she said competitors support each other and typically split modest prize money equally. For everyone involved, it’s less about winning and more about sharing a passion—and achieving that satisfying full pull.
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